Fire officers have provided football coaches and volunteers from West Bridgford Colts with vital CPR and defibrillator refresher training to ensure they are prepared in the event of a medical emergency.
The training was provided by West Bridgford Fire Station’s Red Watch and ran four events – with 64 coaches and volunteers attending.
The sessions were organised for club officials and volunteers following the death of player Dylan Rich. The 17-year-old Colts player was taken ill on the pitch and a defibrillator was used to keep Dylan alive until emergency services arrived, but sadly, the teenager later died in hospital.
Following the tragedy, the club and local fire station felt that everyone would benefit from CPR and defibrillator refresher sessions.
The local fire service will now be offering sessions to other community groups, sports clubs and schools in the West Bridgford area.
If your community group or school would like to attend a CPR and Defibrillator Refresher Session, please contact West Bridgford Fire Station at westbridgford@notts-fire.gov.uk.
The sessions last between one hour to 90 minutes, and will provide an opportunity to use CPR mannequins, and practise skills needed when you suspect someone is experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest.
The training does not provide a medical qualification, but instead offers a great opportunity to be prepared for any medical emergency.
Watch manager Martin Hickling said: “These sessions provide an essential opportunity to practise potentially life-saving CPR.
“Every Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service station has a defibrillator accessible to nearby members of the public. If you see someone experiencing a suspected sudden cardiac arrest, call 999 immediately and follow telephone instructions until East Midlands Ambulance Service arrive. You might be instructed to use a defibrillator over the phone.
“We would encourage anyone to come down and learn more.”